23 Aug 2015 15:54:08
All that matters is the 3 points. That was a champions display holding on like we did. You almost couldn't tell we were down a man, just would've expected more offensively if we weren't.
Why is everyone having a crack at Fab? Sets up the third, set up more than a few chances, so I assume its because of his defensive ability. So once again, why is everyone having a crack? He can't defend. He can't tackle, and he is a yard slow. If you have an issue with that, take it up with Jose, who plays him in a posution where he is exposed. Without him we would of lost, or drawn that game. No doubt.
My thoughts of JT is he is too drained from last year. He was written off, and pushed himself to get one more title. He was a massive reasob we won it, and I think its taken its toll. Love the bloke though, and will never have an issue with him playing. We are probably better off phasing him out, but I won't ask for it, as he has well and truly earned the right to say when enough is enough.
Onto Palace
23 Aug 2015 16:03:43
We love Fabregas it's just he shouldn't be in a 2 man midfield in big games or when we go down to 10 men. He's not good enough defensively to do that.
23 Aug 2015 16:06:57
Once again then Eden. Who should your anger be pointed at? Do you think Cesc choses the team?
I agree he is exposed when he is asked to defend or break up play, but he has never in his career shown he is capable of doing it, si why have a crack at him when he continues that trend?
23 Aug 2015 16:07:18
'No doubt'!? Well I have doubts. Fabregas must have it in his contract that he is never substituted! I didn't think I'd ever be writing this but I would prefer Mikel starting alongside Matic rather than Fabregas. I'm not saying that Fabregas shouldn't be in the team but not in the 2 with Matic - he can't head, tackle, track back, in other words he can't defend!
23 Aug 2015 16:11:38
Will happily direct the same question at you Mrs Costa. He doesn't pick the team, or his position, and yet you have an issue with him because he is being played in the wrong spot? Seems daft.
23 Aug 2015 16:14:02
And I can only assume after Mikel starting once, and us having a draw, you'd be crying for a creative player instead if him. The fickle nature of a football fan.
23 Aug 2015 16:24:59
Melbourne I never had a crack at him what are you talking about? He should still play but we need a 3 man midfield I'd drop Willian and try to bring in a player like Witsel who's box to box and good defensively.
23 Aug 2015 16:48:25
Eden, I didn't mean you specificially. Sorry if you felt I was aiming that at you. But from scrolling the page, it is evident, more than one poster was having a crack, which was baffling to me, when the only thing he could be picked up on, is failing to play in the role, he isn't suited for, and yet is asked to play.
23 Aug 2015 16:53:13
Please don't tell me that anyone would have mikel over fabregas? I would have falcao playing in midfield over mikel anytime. The guy is terrible! So slow and what he did with the ball when he had it today tried to take it upfront himself, but lost it complete with no pressure
23 Aug 2015 17:05:12
No worries Melbourne. I just think switching to a midfield 3 would help out Matic a lot more if we could bring in a Pogba/Witsel/Gomes type player to go in there with him and we need to drop Willian I think. His shooting is shocking. We would have been 4-1 ahead and it would have been game over. Changing to 4-3-3 also gives Pedro and Eden more freedom to score goals. I'd personally give Loftus-Cherk a go in a 3 man midfield, I think he's perfect for it. He's technically great too.
23 Aug 2015 21:02:37
Far too much common sense in that post Melbourne ;) it's all doom doom doom after all!
24 Aug 2015 00:00:02
I don't disagree Eden. I think we are well suited to a 4-3-3, but as Ed002 and 001 have pointed out, formations rarely stick these days. They are forever changing as the game progresses, but I do think if we have the base of a 4-3-3 we would have much more balance. I also think it would benefit Oscsr hugely, playing the same role as you are saying you'd like to see Fab in
24 Aug 2015 20:54:19
If we sign Pogba Mourinho will force 451(4231). It's absolutely correct that our squad would suit 433(4141) with given players. Fabregas is typical offensive central midfielder placing him in defensive role is wrong. Or at least Matic and Cesc shouldn't sit so deep.